Question

read the excerpt from \on imagination\ by phillis wheatley.

now here, now there, the roving fancy flies,
till some lov’d object strikes her wand’ring eyes,
whose silken fetters all the senses bind,
and soft captivity involves the mind.

imagination! who can sing thy force?
or who describe the swiftness of thy course?

how does the poet’s use of rhyme scheme in the excerpt contribute to the tone?

○ it creates a pensive tone that shows the speaker’s feelings on the power of imagination.
○ it creates a suspicious tone that conveys the speaker’s distrust toward imagination.
○ it creates an annoyed tone that demonstrates the speaker’s inability to define imagination.
○ it creates a humorous tone that stresses the speaker’s attitude about the quirks of imagination.

Explanation:

The rhyme scheme in the poem creates a flowing and rhythmic pattern. The words "flies - eyes - bind - mind" and "force - course" rhyme. This rhythmic flow helps in creating a pensive (thoughtful and reflective) mood. The speaker is reflecting on the power of imagination. The other options like suspicious (no indication of distrust), annoyed (no signs of irritation), or humorous (no comical elements) tones are not supported by the text. The poem is more about exploring and reflecting on imagination's power.

Answer:

It creates a pensive tone that shows the speaker's feelings on the power of imagination.